CLUBS

CLUB DESIGN

CLUB DESIGN
Starting in 1982, Norman worked on every aspect of design in New York's
ground-breaking nightclubs. Starting as a scenic painter, by '84 he was
working as part of various design teams, and was a lead designer by '87.
Clubs he worked on (in varying capacities) in the '80's include
DANCETERIA, LIMELIGHT,
The PALLADIUM, The PEPPERMINT LOUNGE,
AREA, The TUNNEL, and QUICK
plus many smaller clubs, bars and lounges. In this pre-cell phone era,
few photos remain of the decor, mostly just the sensational crowds.

By '89, as well as designing, he was also operating nightclubs, and in the following few
years, broke out into a wider market, designing several international night spots,
including: HELL in Miami, GOLD in Tokyo, and PEISER EINST in Munich

In 1991, he opened his self built resort in LAGOON, in Belize, and on his return to the
fray of New York nightlife, designed, owned and operated a string of smaller, more
intimate venues based loosely around Burlesque and Neo-Cabaret.
He developed and became known for his technique 'Victorianation', which
transforms mundane or bland interiors into Gilded Age palaces.
Highlights include:
DUTCH WEISMANN'S, The KIT KAT CLUB,
THE SLIPPER ROOM, SHOW, The TRIAD
and THE BLUSHING DIAMOND SPEAKEASY
In 2007 Norman and his future wife Amelia relocated to Shanghai, where they
designed, built and operated his magnum opus, CHINATOWN, converting a
derelict Buddhist temple into the country's first such venue. Their adventures
are detailed in Amelia's award winning book
'Diary of a Shanghai Showgirl"
Now based in London, Norman still designs night clubs, interiors and
for events and theatrical productions